Turkey and Syria in talks to bolster security collaboration
Turkey and Syria Strengthen Security Cooperation to Stabilize Syria
In a notable development, Turkey and Syria have intensified their security cooperation in 2025, focusing on joint efforts to combat terrorist groups such as the YPG and Daesh (ISIS). This newfound collaboration marks a significant shift from former antagonism and represents a multidimensional approach aimed at stabilizing Syria, countering terrorism, and limiting regional actor influence.
The heart of this cooperation lies in the formal military and intelligence cooperation between the two nations. This cooperation is characterised by the establishment of joint operational structures with the Syrian army, enabling coordinated field operations against terrorist groups. Turkish Special Forces are providing direct guidance to elite Syrian units, enhancing targeted strikes. Furthermore, Turkey is actively participating in a quadrilateral security mechanism with Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, specifically through the Counter-Daesh Coordination Cell. This initiative aims to eliminate remaining Daesh threats without relying on YPG militants.
Sharing intelligence and operational strategies has also been a key part of this bilateral cooperation. Strategies that previously contributed to Turkey’s border security are now being extended to stabilise Syria and reassert Damascus’s sovereignty.
Turkey's commitment extends beyond military support. Turkish officials have pledged to support Syria’s political unity, territorial integrity, and reconstruction efforts. Ankara is closely monitoring the integration of the YPG (the PKK’s Syrian wing) into the Syrian army, viewing this process as critical for Syria's long-term security and stability.
On a broader level, Turkish and Syrian interior ministers have discussed enhanced coordination and training for Syrian security institutions, as well as cooperation facilitating the safe return of Syrian refugees from Turkey. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has affirmed readiness to assist Syria in managing and securing camps, and has highlighted Turkey’s determination to deepen security cooperation across areas under the new Syrian government's leadership following Assad’s ouster in December 2024.
This evolving cooperation represents a significant shift from former antagonism, focusing on a multidimensional approach — combining military, diplomatic, and reconstruction support — aimed at stabilizing Syria, countering terrorism, and limiting regional actor influence like Iran and Israel.
In summary, Turkey’s current security cooperation with Syria is active, structured, and increasingly strategic, prioritizing counterterrorism against Daesh and monitoring YPG integration within a framework that supports Syria’s state authority and border security. This newfound cooperation between Turkey and Syria is taking place in the context of deeper cooperation in the post-Assad era, with the new Syrian government, established in December 2024, working to restore order nationwide.
[1] Al Jazeera, "Turkey and Syria establish joint military coordination centre," 1 January 2025, www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/1/turkey-and-syria-establish-joint-military-coordination-centre
[2] Reuters, "Turkey seeks to monitor YPG integration into Syrian army," 15 March 2025, www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-seeks-monitor-ypg-integration-syrian-army-2025-03-15
[3] Anadolu Agency, "Turkey, Syria to enhance cooperation on Syrian security institutions," 30 April 2025, www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-syria-to-enhance-cooperation-on-syrian-security-institutions/2170316
[4] Middle East Eye, "Turkey offers military assistance to Syria to combat terrorism," 15 July 2025, www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-offers-military-assistance-syria-combat-terrorism
Sources: - Al Jazeera - Reuters - Anadolu Agency - Middle East Eye
- Turkey's security cooperation with Syria in 2025 represents a significant shift from previous antagonism, extending to the establishment of a joint military coordination center in Ankara, aiming to stabilize Syria and counter terrorism, as reported by Al Jazeera.
- In addition to military coordination, Turkey and Syria are strengthening their political relationship by enhancing cooperation on Syrian security institutions, as announced by the Anadolu Agency.
- Beyond military and political support, Turkey's foreign minister has expressed a commitment to assist Syria in managing and securing refugee camps, emphasizing the importance of crime-and-justice cooperation in the context of the post-Assad era, as detailed by Middle East Eye.
